West Ham United’s 2024/25 season has proven difficult, despite their ambitious transfer activities over the past year. The club has yet to make a significant impact in the Premier League, with several key players struggling to find form.
After spending around £75 million on center-backs Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, West Ham’s defensive issues remain a concern. The team has conceded 19 goals in the opening 11 matches, managing only two clean sheets, leaving them languishing in 14th place as the international break approaches.
Offensively, the situation isn’t much better. In an attempt to bolster their attack, the Hammers signed Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Füllkrug during the summer. However, Füllkrug, who was bought for £27 million, has been hampered by injuries, making only a handful of appearances and totaling just 63 minutes of league play so far. Despite the attacking talents of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, the team has scored only 13 goals—among the lowest in the league. This lack of attacking potency, coupled with defensive frailties, has led many to question the future of manager Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham began with great expectations following his success at Sevilla, where he won the Europa League in 2021. However, after 11 Premier League matches, his record is far from impressive. With just three wins and a 31% win rate, questions are mounting over whether he is the right man to lead the club. The failure to make an immediate impact, despite substantial investment in players, has prompted speculation about his long-term future. Names like former Benfica boss Roger Schmidt have already been suggested as potential replacements, though no official decision has been made.
Should the board decide to part ways with Lopetegui, one potential managerial candidate who stands out is Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian coach, known for his tactical acumen and previous success with Juventus, could provide the steady hand West Ham needs. Allegri enjoyed two successful spells at Juventus, winning five consecutive Serie A titles and multiple domestic cups. His tactical system, particularly his use of the 3-5-2 formation, has made him one of the most respected managers in Europe.
Allegri’s arrival at West Ham would be a bold move, but it could be exactly what the club needs to move to the next level. Allegri’s success in Italy was built on a strong defensive foundation and an ability to get the best out of his attacking players. His influence could be particularly beneficial for Lucas Paquetá, who has struggled to find consistent form since joining the club for a club-record £51 million in 2022.
Paquetá has shown flashes of brilliance but has not yet delivered consistently at West Ham. This season, the Brazilian has scored just two goals and failed to register any assists in the Premier League. Under Allegri’s guidance, however, Paquetá could flourish in a more dynamic attacking system. Allegri’s ability to get the best out of his forwards, as he did with Paulo Dybala at Juventus, could be key to unlocking Paquetá’s potential. Dybala enjoyed a productive partnership with Allegri, often playing as a number 10 behind the strikers, and Paquetá could thrive in a similar role.
Under Allegri’s tactical framework, Paquetá’s creativity and flair could come to the fore, providing West Ham with the attacking spark they’ve been missing. Allegri’s ability to adapt his tactics to suit the players at his disposal could also see a transformation in the team’s overall performance. With his track record of success and ability to build cohesive, efficient teams, Allegri would be an intriguing choice to replace Lopetegui if the board decides to make a change.
In conclusion, while West Ham’s recent form under Lopetegui has been disappointing, the club’s ambitions remain high. Allegri’s tactical nous and ability to bring out the best in his players could be the catalyst for turning around the team’s fortunes. Should the club lose patience with Lopetegui, Allegri represents a strong option to lead the club into a more successful future, unlocking the potential of key players like Paquetá and helping West Ham fulfill the ambitions that their owners have for the club.
